Mentorship 1 students are matched with an off-campus researcher who has committed to mentor the student in either an ongoing or independent project. Conducting research during the summer allows for long periods of focused research. Many students form bonds with those in their research environments as well as their fellow students. When not off-campus for research, Mentorship 1 students can interact with peers from other SRIP programs. Participating in Mentorship 1 also allows many students the opportunity present their research not just at the Summer Research Symposium but other research conferences during the school year, such as the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS).

As with all the Mentorship opportunities, prior research experience is not a criteria when applying; many students begin the program without having any prior experience. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and further explore their interests through Mentorship. Students complete a preparatory Foundations in Mentorship course in the spring semester. In the summer, students live at NCSSM and are transported to opportunities at universities and businesses in the Triangle.